India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title by decisively defeating Pakistan in the final match on Sunday. This significant victory prompted a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which in turn led to insightful remarks from Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav regarding the leader’s unwavering support.
Prime Minister Modi’s message on social media not only celebrated India’s triumph but also made a notable reference to ‘Operation Sindoor,’ sparking a direct response from Suryakumar Yadav.
Yadav expressed his appreciation, stating, “It feels good when the country’s leader himself bats on the front foot; it felt like he took the strike and scored runs. It was great to see, and when our leader is standing in front, the players definitely feel empowered to play freely. The most important thing is that the whole country is celebrating. When we return to India, it will feel wonderful, and we will gain even more inspiration and motivation to perform well.”
The post-victory celebrations were marked by an unusual turn of events during the trophy presentation ceremony. The Indian team did not receive the coveted trophy directly from ACC Chief and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The PCB chairman left the podium with the trophy after the ceremony, an unconventional departure from standard protocol where the winning team typically receives the cup from officials.
Addressing this unique situation, Suryakumar Yadav offered his perspective: “I wouldn’t label it as a controversy. If you’ve seen, photos of the trophy are being shared everywhere. But the true trophy lies in winning the hearts of the people, the players, the trust you earn from the support staff, and the belief shown by those working behind the scenes. That is the real trophy. The genuine award is the collective effort and hard work of so many individuals on the field.”
India secured the Asia Cup by a margin of five wickets, maintaining their firm stance against Pakistan, a rivalry that was significantly intensified following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack which claimed 26 lives. In a poignant display of solidarity with the armed forces and respect for the victims, India chose not to shake hands with the Pakistan team after the match.